The Oldest Stone Cut Dam In Arkansas Will Be Your New Favorite Place
By Carol Ann Carson|Published October 28, 2018
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Lake Leatherwood is a fantastic place, undoubtedly. But if you’re needing a quieter escape (that doesn’t sacrifice on beauty) then an excursion to Black Bass Lake is in order. The Lake is a pleasantly peaceful park in Eureka Springs. Besides just being a gorgeous little spot to relax, the lake also has one of the oldest stone cut dams still standing in Arkansas.
Black Bass Lake is a gorgeous nature escape east of Eureka Springs.
The park is great for paddling, hiking, fishing, or just taking in the stunning nature while picnicking. Black Bass Lake is located at the end of Country Road 138, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.
The historic dam is one of the oldest hand-cut stone dams in the state. It was constructed 1894! The dam helped collect drinking water from Old Spring Gulch, though now the city relies on Beaver Lake. The clean water does still help the abundant fish population thrive.
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Over 120 years can really take its toll. The historic dam may not be in the best condition but restoration plans are underway.
What's interesting is that the rocks from the original construction in 1894 have held strong but the 1915 mortar that was later added in is causing the dam to leak. The Eureka Springs City Council has approved to match any grant that is used for the dam's restoration. We're glad to see steps being taken to save this historic landmark.
The park has three trails including one that travels along a former pump house road bed. Mountain bikers can enjoy the Bluff Trail, which is rather rugged but has gorgeous views of the lake.
The quite little escape makes for a wonderful day trip in fall or for a spring fishing excursion.
We would love to see your photos of Black Bass Lake (especially with the gorgeous fall foliage) in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
As we said earlier, Lake Leatherwood is another beautiful mountain lake you should definitely visit.
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